On October 10th, 200 passionate individuals converged in Washington, DC to meet with their representatives at NEDA’s first Federal Lobby Day, co-sponsored by the Academy of Eating Disorders (AED) and the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp). Despite the government shutdown, the threat of a truckers strike around the city and pouring rain, participants made their way to the Hill to use their voice to make a positive change.

NEDA applauds President Obama for his speech at the National Conference on Mental Health on Monday, June 3rd, which emphasized the importance of increasing awareness and understanding about mental health issues. Specifically, the speech tackled three points central to the conversation surrounding mental health in the United States: reducing stigma, access to care, and the real possibility of recovery.

Right now I am doing really well. The excitement of trying my new and improved dress will be on my birthday, the 8th of next month!!! I'll be 35. Everyday I'm a newlywed, since everyday is new with my husband, best friend and soulmate. April 21st is going to be AWESOME!!! Just wanted to share how happy I am at the moment. I am truly feeling blessed.